First there is the betrothal day when the bride’s family celebrate her engagement. This is a family and community affair with the usual meal and drink. There is usually a large area prepared with awning and fresh cut grass on the ground and a sound system with music and commentary to pierce the eardrums! The bride processes round introducing herself to the assembled group (and also soliciting donations) and there is a little dancing and singing. Negotiations start about the bride price that the fiancés family have to raise.
Later there is the Send Off (held about two days before the wedding,), which is held by the bride’s family. The bride appears in her finery and is supported by a maid of honour and her bridesmaids. She processes slowly to a kind of throne and has a veil over her face. The fiancée has to positively identify her and agree that she is The One. She introduces him to her family. There is dancing and some speeches and a cake is cut. The groom with his supporters sits out most of the time. Later there is dancing and music.
During the celebration there is a MC with a mic giving a running commentary. The bride has to look sad the whole time and is not allowed to smile, to show how sorry she is about leaving her family.
Two days later the wedding takes place at the groom’s place with a different group of guests.
We also went to a 25th wedding anniversary where they all dress up and have prayers or mass, speeches, cake again, singing and dancing and feasting with the usual tribute of gifts given by the guests. The expense is great but contributions from the guests help to support the cost.
Much represents traditional culture but the externals of western culture are taken on in the shape of extraordinary hairdos, very smart clothes, jackets and ties, microphones and huge speakers, wedding cakes, a bottle of bubbly shaken and sprayed about the place (why?) and the matching dresses of the brides entourage. One must remember to bring ones invitation in order to get a plate of food and a bottle of soda. However the rest bring their pombe (local beer) in their plastic containers and join the celebrations.
These are Winifreda's sisters and brothers giving them a new matress and other presents. They are enjoying themselves.
This was a Kagondo contingent with Oliva, an ex matron of Kagondo and Jenessia
There are always dozens of people hanging around on the perimeter, having a good look -- also a splendid business opportunity for the food vendors as the spectators get hungry and thirsty too!
These events are usually held on a week day; we went along after work (many take the day off to go) and although we missed the main feast, we were given food especially saved for us by the hostess: matoke – banana cooked with beans, onions tomatoes (a staple here), pilau rice, beef stew cooked Swahili style—all delicious.
A good time was had by all.
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